2020 Mazda MX-30 Electric Crossover is a crowd-pleaser at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

MANILA: Mazda launched its first ready-for-production dedicated electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30 at 2019 Tokyo Show. The Mazda MX-30 is a five-seater crossover and the first model to use the new Mazda E-Skyactiv electric drivetrain.

Though the MX-30 platform is based on the CX-30 crossover—which gives it the same overall length of 4395 mm and wheelbase of 2655 mm, it uses the ‘MX’ nameplate similar to the MX-5 roadster known for its high power performance. Which we would assume is what Mazda is aiming for with the MX-30—a fully electrified vehicle that has powerful performance. In fact, the E-Skyactiv electric drivetrain—an improved electric version of Mazda's G-Vectoring system, allows for safety and efficiency based on driver engagement.

The MX-30 specs sheet is equipped with a floor-mounted, 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that powers an AC synchronous motor (which is less than the capacity of a rival crossover like the Hyundai Kona with a 39.2kWh rated battery with a range of 312km). But Mazda did say that the MX-30’s range will be “over 200km”.

Accepted feeds include both low-voltage AC and high-voltage DC which is an added charging flexibility. A variant of the Mazda MX-30 will come as a hybrid with a petrol-powered rotary engine that will serve as that MX-30’s “range extender”.

The car showcases Mazda’s Kodo design. The front façade has a muted grille compared to the imposing front grille we usually find on other Mazda models. It also boasts a pair of slimmer LED headlights and a black apron that continues to the wheel arches, side skirt, and extends up to the rear.

The back end also sports a pair of slim taillights that partly covers the hatchback. On the side, the electric crossover sports a conventional hinged door at the front partnered with a set of smaller rear “freestyle” doors—Mazda’s rebranding on what is more commonly known as suicide doors.

Inside, the front bucket seats and sofa-like rear seats are trimmed in high-end natural textiles, a 7” floating center infotainment console, physical buttons to control the HVAC system, and a cork center tray. The cork trimmings continues throughout the interior of the car. It’s an homage to Mazda’s history when it produces cork before making automobiles. Xintong Li, a designer from Mazda’s Color & Trim Group, explains that the cork comes from the bark of the cork tree which means no trees were cut down to harvest the material.

Mazda MX-30 price starts at around Php 1.88M and is slated for a 2020 production date ahead of its European launch.

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